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Unlike previous ABIT Slot-1 motherboards, the PCB design of the ABIT BE6-II is somewhat different. The previous PCB layout had been modified to fit in additional features like the DIP switches (a reversion to the dinosaur age?), more capacitors, etc... The layout was also changed to correct certain deficiencies that were noticed in their previous Slot 1 motherboards. However, the new design brought with it a rather big problem which will be discussed in detail later.

Still, in keeping with the ABIT tradition, both the BE6-II and the BF6 share the same basic layout. This cuts down on development costs and enables ABIT to deliver the goods on time. But that's not what potential buyers just want to know, right?

We all want to know what makes the ABIT BE6-II any different from the other 440BX Slot-1 motherboards out there and especially its predecessor - the ABIT BE6. In other words, are the improvements in the BE6-II revolutionary or just evolutionary? That's what we intend to find out in this review.

First, let's take a look at what a new owner of the ABIT BE6-II will find in the box...